No, you're absolutely right: they charge 'London prices' for a start (you're not getting a cheap deal as a favour) AND the stylist is a partner (so getting share of takings) not a minimum wage employee. If you go regularly, you're contributing to their income. And really I would EXPECT an owner of a high price hairdressers to give me a good haircut - theyre not doing you a favour, it's what they're paid for. I was a lifetime retail worker, DIL works in home for autistic people (often going beyond minimum service, but never given a tip), I don't really believe in tipping. In poor countries it's different, but here everyone's on min wage (many supplemented with state benefits). Sure, if a taxi driver carries my luggage, if a restaurant cooks me a special meal...but not if I just get what I paid for anyway. Also opposed to tipping tour guides on coach tours (unless they have to help you through an emergency) - holiday's dear enough and British guides earn much more than me to begin with!!